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So you've never ridden a motorcycle, but you want to experience it. Just about every motorcyclist's first ride was as a passenger. To get the most out of it, you want to make it as easy as possible for the driver. Here's how.

Make sure your driver is experienced at riding with a passenger, aka "two-up". Driving with a passenger is very different from driving alone. This is not the time for you to teach each other new skills.[1]XResearch source

Wear proper clothing! Even if it's hot, you want a leather jacket and (at least) blue jeans. Wear high-top leather boots if you have them. This is your only protection against road rash and (more likely) exhaust-pipe burns.[2]XResearch source

Place your foot (left if approaching from the left, right otherwise) on the foot-peg and swing your body over the seat like you're getting on a horse. Put your hands on the driver's shoulders for balance if needed.[6]XResearch source

In most places it's customary to wave at other motorcycles going in the opposite direction. When there's a passenger, it's your job to wave, since you've got a free hand. Don't be insulted if they don't wave back; it may not be safe for them to do so at that moment. (In some places, Harley riders don't wave at non-Harley, and vice versa.)

Riding is only a fraction of the fun of motorcycling. For the full effect, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginner's course, get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license (if needed in your state) and start driving yourself!

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wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Together, they cited 10 references. This article has been viewed 151,189 times.